One size does not fit all.

2. What educators and psychologists recognize as giftedness…is really potential giftedness which denotes promise rather than fulfillment… probabilities rather than certainties…. Much (depends) on (the) match between a child’s talents and the kinds of nurturance provided.

3. One size does not fit all. What is best for your child?

4. Each child has a unique profile of strengths.

5. Intelligence is not how much you know or how fast you learn, but how you behave when you don’t know the answer.

7. Philosophy of FCPS Advanced Academic Programs Children who have been identified for advanced academic services have the potential to achieve high levels of accomplishment, and this potential needs to be recognized and addressed. In order to meet their needs and develop their abilities, these high ability learners require a differentiated curriculum that provides advanced learning opportunities.

8. Critical and Creative Thinking Strategies Grades K-6 Level I Services All children learn to think, reason, and problem-solve through nine strategies that challenge students to use and apply knowledge in new and different ways. Lessons that develop critical and creative thinking skills are used by teachers with all students in K-6 classrooms.

9. Critical and Creative Thinking Strategies

10. Additional Possibilities for Level I • Flexible Instructional Groupings • Mathematics Competitions • Odyssey of the Mind • Concept-based Instruction (e.g., change/perspective/systems) • Creative Problem Solving (CPS) • Higher order questioning • Word Masters • Chess Club • Philosophers Club

11. Differentiated Lessons in Areas of Academic StrengthGrades K-6Level II Differentiated instruction is provided through more challenging content, assignments, resources, and flexible groupings in one or more areas of academic strength. Advanced Academic Resource Teachers plan, collaborate, and share ideas and resources with classroom teachers and other specialists.

12. Possibilities for Level II Literacy Clubs Hands-on-Equations Future Problem-solving Library of Congress (LOC) Advanced Problem-solving Group investigations Junior Great Books Socratic Seminar The Great Debate

13. Instructional Strategies to Support Level I and Level II Services • Debono’s Thinking Hats • Cubing • Interactive Notebooks • RAFT • Creative Problem Solving • Think-Tac-Toe • Jigsaw • SCAMPER • Synectics • Questioning

14. Part-Time Advanced Academic ProgramGrades 3-6Level III Students work directly with the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher to receive enrichment and extensions to curriculum and instruction. The Advanced Academic Resource Teacher plans and collaborates with the classroom teachers and other teachers who work with the students e.g., ESOL and special education. Direct services may take the form of the AART co-teaching a with the classroom teacher with flexible instructional groups within the classroom or pull-out groups.

16. Young Scholars – A Model for Success All Levels K-12

17. Local Advanced Academic Programs Screening for School-Based Services (Levels II-III) • All students are evaluated for Advanced Academic Programs school-based services using multiple sources of information. • Local school Advanced Academic Programs screening committee determines eligibility for school-based services (Level II – K-6; Level III - Grades 3-6) • Parents/guardians may initiate a referral

18. Full-Time Advanced Academic Program Grades 3-6Level IV The full-time advanced academic program is differentiated in depth, breadth, and pace of instruction. It provides an appropriate level of challenge for highly gifted learners with a strong emphasis on critical and creative thinking, and problem-solving. The mathematics curriculum is accelerated by one grade level and readings and resources that are used in other subject areas are also presented at advanced levels. Students have opportunities for ongoing opportunities for reflection and self-assessment.

19. Information Considered in Placement Decisions for Part-Time and Full-Time Advanced Academic Programs • Ability test scores - Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) - Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT) • Achievement Test Scores - Standards of Learning (SOL) scores • Gifted Behavior Rating Scale (GBRS) • Progress Reports • Additional Information - record of previous Advanced Academic services received - work samples, certificates, and/or awards (8 ½ x 11) - Parent Questionnaire (for level IV referrals)

20. Local School Screening for Full-Time Advanced Academic Placement Grade 2 • Screening pool is established using the Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test (NNAT) from 1st grade and the Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT) from 2nd grade. • Parents of students in the second grade screening pool receive a letter notifying them that their child will be screened for the full-time advanced academic program. Parents may decline screening. Grades 2– 6 • Parents may submit full-time advanced academic program referrals for 2nd grade students not in the pool, and students in grades 3-7. • Screening file is prepared by the local school Advanced Academic Programs screening committee and submitted to central selection committee. • Eligibility decisions made by the central selection committee, and reviewed by an oversight committee. • Parent/guardian(s) are notified by mail regarding eligibility.

21. Testing Timeline 2011-2012 • All 1st/2nd grade students, and students in grades 3-7 who are missing ability test scores, are tested during the fall testing cycle.*First graders will take the NNAT. *Second graders will take the CogAT • Scores from the 1st grade NNAT and 2nd grade CogATonly are considered for the 2nd grade pool. All other Level IV screening files are generated by referral. • There is no advantage to having a file initiated by pool vs. referral. • Fall Testing Windows: • Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test (NNAT) October 17-28, 2011 • Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) November 14-18, 2011 • Spring testing is only for FCPS students enrolled after the fall testing cycle and referred for advanced academic services. • A parent/guardian may seek private testing through a licensed psychologist or through GMU. Call 703-933-4200.

22. Elementary and Middle School Full-Time Advanced Academic Program • Located in 24 Elementary schools and 11 middle schools • Thirty-five additional elementary schools offer Local Level IV services. • Differentiated curriculum and instruction for advanced learners is provided in the four core subject areas: English, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science.

23. Best practices in identification “ Best practices indicate that multiple measures and valid indicators from multiple sources must be used to assess and serve gifted students. Information should be gathered from multiple sources, in different ways and in different contexts” —NAGC, 1997

24. Steps for identifying children for a Level IV center Steps1through8 Step1-- pool or referral Referral deadline for fall screening is October 28, 2011 for students new to the county. Referral deadline is for any students grades 2-7 is Feb. 3, 2012.

25. Steps for identifying children for full time placement in Advanced Academics (Level IV) Step2 – February Required and optional information FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL

26. Steps for identifying children for full time placement in Advanced Academics (Level IV) Step3 -- February or March Local screening committees FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL

27. Steps for identifying children for full time placement in Advanced Academics (Level IV) Step4 -- March or April Central selection committees FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL

28. Steps for identifying children for full time placement in Advanced Academics (Level IV) Step5 – April Oversight committee reviews ineligible decisions FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL

29. Steps for identifying children for full time placement in Advanced Academics (Level IV) Step6 – May Parent notification and Level IV center orientations FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL

30. Steps for identifying children for full time placement in Advanced Academics (Level IV) Step7 -- (optional)June Appeals must be submitted by June 1st FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL

31. Steps for identifying children for full time placement in Advanced Academics (Level IV) Step8 – July Appeals committee decisions are mailed FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL

32. The Middle School Honors Program Designed to meet the needs of students with specific academic strengths in one or more of the four core subject areas. Students experience an extended Program Of Studies at greater levels of depth and complexity.

33. International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IBMYP) The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IBMYP) offers student-centered, holistic programs of international education that support FCPS student achievement goals for academics, essential life skills, and responsibility to the community. The IB Middle Years Program (MYP) develops in grades 6-10the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills they need to live, learn, and work in a rapidly globalizing world. FCPS students may earn an FCPS MYP certificate for meeting the rigorous requirements.

34. Advanced Placement International Baccalaureate • International perspective integral part of program • Full diploma includes IB courses in 6 subject areas, extended essay, Theory of Knowledge class, and 150 extra-curricular hours • Individual IB courses are offered at standard or higher levels may be taken • Widely accepted for college credit globally • Individual, rigorous college-level courses in most subject areas • Widely accepted at American universities • FCPS AP diploma awarded to students taking at least 5 AP courses on which they receive a 3 or better (out of 5) Thomas Jefferson School for Science and Technology Specialized learning environment for highly motivated students with a genuine interest and ability in science, mathematics, and technology. Admission is on a competitive basis. See website for more specific information about the admission process.

35. What does my child need to do to pursue advanced programs in high school? • Read, read, and read • Although advanced programs are open to all students, students who take these courses need to be motivated to learn • Study the first year of a world language and Algebra 1 before 9th grade (required by TJ, IB, and AP Calculus and AP World Language) • Determine first if your child is a candidate for an advanced academic program and choose the program that is the best for your individual student. • Visit TJ in October of the 8th grade year.

36. www.fcps.edu/DIS/aap